Duke Ellington called his music "American Music" rather than jazz, and liked to describe those who impressed him as "beyond category." He remains one of the most influential figures in jazz, if not in all American music and is widely considered as one of the twentieth century's best known African American personalites. As both a composer and a band leader, Ellington's reputation has increased since his death, with thematic repackagings of his signature music often becoming best-sellers. Posthumous recognition of his work include a special award citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board. He received 13 Grammy Awards and was honored with the French Legion of Honor in 1973.

Duke Ellington influenced millions of people both around the world and at home. He gave American music its own sound for the first time. In his fifty year career, he played over 20,000 performances in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East as well as Asia.

Simply put, Ellington transcends boundaries and fills the world with a treasure trove of music that renews itself through every generation of fans and music-lovers. His legacy continues to live on and will endure for generations to come. Winton Marsalis said it best when he said "His music sounds like America." Because of the unmatched artistic heights to which he soared, no one deserved the phrase “beyond category” more than Ellington

Originally released on Columbia Records in 1959, Jazz Party In Stereo contains a formidable gallery of jazz stars including Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Rushing, Johnny Hodges, Clark Terry, Paul Gonsalves, and more!

The sometimes tender, sometimes shouting blues style of Jimmy Rushing provides nice contrast in one of the most varied and satisfying Ellington recordings ever.

"This most unusual Duke Ellington record includes two selections featuring nine symphonic percussionists on timpani, vibes, marimbas, and xylophones. Dizzy Gillespie makes a historic appearance with Ellington's orchestra on 'U.M.M.G.' (a meeting that should have been repeated often but sadly never was), Jimmy Rushing (Count Basie's former vocalist) sings 'Hello Little Girl,' and both Johnny Hodges ('All of Me') and Paul Gonsalves ('Ready Go!') have chances to blow." - Scott Yanow, allmusic.com

"Though the blues is part of the theme of this album, and of the titles of many of the tunes, the general feeling is of an uptempo, exciting big band treatment as only Ellington can do it, of all 11 tracks." - John Henry, www.audaud.com, 5 Stars!!